ASPCA makes huge seizure of 600 animals from no-kill shelter

RALEIGH, N.C. – The ASPCA is carrying out one of the largest rescues in the organization's 150-year history, seizing 600 dogs, cats, horses and other animals from a no-kill shelter in North Carolina.

It's a massive operation about an hour southwest of Raleigh, where about 300 dogs arrived Thursday night and more of the animals are on their way.

The animals had been held at a private shelter called The Haven-Friends for Life, managed by Stephen Joseph and Linden Spear, who appeared in court Thursday on animal cruelty charges. A friend says the couple has performed a tremendous service over the years.

But a state inspection found the animals had inadequate water and medical care, and the shelter had not had a state license for more than 10 years.